Go with a plan.
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Beijing at 74/100 for crime — that makes it read safer than China's national picture overall (64/100 vs 62/100).
City page · part of China
The one number a country page can't give you
What people who actually live in Beijing report
Numbeo aggregates thousands of resident-submitted perception surveys into a per-city Crime Index (higher = worse) and its inverse, a Safety Index — the only real city-granularity crime signal feeding this page, alongside China's national advisory, political, health, and police-trust data.
Crime Index
25.6
Safety Index
74.4
Sub-scores
Same real inputs as China's national page, with crime swapped for Beijing's own Numbeo number above.
Local know-how
Staying safe in Beijing, specifically
- • Emergencies: Free emergency telephone numbers: Police: 110. Fire alarm: 119. Medical care: 120. Remember these three telephone numbers; they are valid in almost every part of China.
- • Scams and crime: Beijing, despite its size, is a very safe city, with violent crime being incredibly rare.
- • Tourists visiting Beijing should be vigilant about scams and petty crime, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Tiananmen Square and routes to the Great Wall.
- • While many Beijing locals are genuinely curious about foreigners and may simply wish to chat or take a photo, it's important to remain cautious and stick to your original plans.
- • Traffic: Pedestrians should be very careful crossing the street: People will generally stop for you, but they will honk.
Legal status (national law)
Legal since 1997
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country →Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
A / I · 220V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 110 / ambulance: 120 / fire: 119
Tipping
As a general rule, tipping is not practised in China. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take.
SIM / Data
Mobile phones offer good service in China, with strong 4G and 5G networks. International roaming is expensive (¥12–35/min), but roaming data is uncensored. Check rates with your provider or consider a prepaid Chinese SIM card if staying for more than a few days. SIM cards usually require a passport and registration at the provider's main office.
Cash vs. Card
Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, foreign credit/debit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported.
How this compares to China
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Beijing at 74/100 for crime — that makes it read safer than China's national picture overall (64/100 vs 62/100).
See the full China page and all receipts →